Dream-Catcher Playground

Posted by Sandy Warren

on Apr 14, 2015

Rotary Ventura South Donates $1,000

To Thousand Oaks Special Needs Playground

Ron Block (pictured above), member and past president of the Rotary Club of Newbury Park, visited Rotary Ventura South on Monday, April 13, to give an overview of the DreamCatcher Playground, an ambitious project coordinated by multiple Rotary Clubs in the Conejo Valley. The playground is designed to serve children with a variety of mobility and developmental issues such as autism, cerebral palsy, and Down Syndrome.

"Special needs children will be able to play side by side with others on accessible play pieces, rubber surfacing, a tandem swing, and teeter-totter," said Ron. "Umbrellas, shade structures, and cooling mists will provide support to those unable to monitor their temperature needs, or with increased sensitivity to sun." Ron noted that disability affects approximately 12% of the U.S. population.

"We've raised about $268,000 toward our budgeted goal of $500,000," said Ron. With that, Ventura South President Sandy Warren added a correction, stating that, thanks to a unanimous vote by the Ventura South Board, that number would be $1,000 higher. "We're delighted to be able to partner with Play Conejo and support this vital project," said Sandy.

The DreamCatcher Playground is located at Old Meadows Park in Thousand Oaks. Phase 1 will officially open in July conjunction with the Special Olympics. For more information, or to make a donation, visit rotarydreamcatcher.org.